can anyone tell me is it illegal..?

Question

in the uk..under motoring law is it an offence not to give way to an emergency vehicle using blues and twos..or not..i ask because me mate didnt..and hes worried about getting reported..and getting a ticket..

Answer 1

Yes you can be prosecuted for obstruction of emergency vehicles but it very rarely enforced.I'm a retired paramedic.

Answer 2

Whilst I don't believe it is ILLEGAL as such, it IS immoral. How would you feel if a friend or relative died or was seriously injured because they did not get medical, police or fire service help quickly enough?

With a police vehicle, I SUPPOSE they COULD try to make a case for obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty. Probably get an £80 fine. It all depends on the reasons for not giving way. If it was not safe to do so or impractical, then it also becomes impossible to give way.

Emergency vehicles, whilst given certain leeway to "make progress" through traffic etc. should not intimidate other drivers - this just makes the whole process dangerous and causes accidents. So I guess your mate has nothing to worry about.

Answer 3

There was a case recently were a motorist drove through a red light, at slow speed, in order for an ambulance on an emergency call to get through, the car was caught on camera and they got 3 points for it, not sure how the appeal went. As others have said only pull over where its safe to do so, its worse to just stop and block the road than continue on at a resonable speed so the emergency vehicle can pass where they think it is safe to do so. Failing to stop is so common I've heard the police describe putting on the blues and twos as "activating the cloaking device"

Answer 4

There is a possibly of a charge of obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties if the obstruction was deemed deliberate, but that is not motoring law.

You don't how ever say which emergency vehicle he blocked.

He could use the Argument that it is right only to stop and give way when and where it is safe to do so but, and it's a big but, if he ended up in court the magistrates would probably only give him a slap.

Answer 5

All UK emergency vehicle have to observe the highway code, even when on call, if a road sign say give-way you should, if its a matter of pulling over, that would be prudent, but not against the law if not done. It would be if you were see to be hindering an emergency vehicle.

Hope that helps,, wont see me in court?

Answer 6

I don't think it's an offence, but it's certainly sensible to give way. For all you know, the emergency vehicle is on its way to an accident which involved somebody for who you care.
And if it were you involved in an accident, surely you'd prefer the vehicle attending to be there as soon as possible rather than being delayed by an inconsiderate driver.

Answer 7

In every EU country it's an offense not to give way to emergency vehicles. Well you may get reported or maybe not, anyhow a ticket can't be that bad as long as you don't loose your license

Answer 8

The emergency vehicles like Police, Fire force and Ambulances have special right to passage and they can even take liberties (like driving on the wrong side or in one way streets etc) which ordinary motorists can not. It is both humanity and legally right to make way for them and not to attact adverse attention of law of the land, which makes it as an imperative civic duty and custom.

Answer 9

Just check in the highway code the answer is right there. It is just common courtesy that we give way to emergency vehicles on a call, if they hit anything or anyone then they are at fault.

Answer 10

As far as im aware its only a legal obligation to give way to police vehicles, using blues and 2's however its is good motoring conduct and courtesy to give way to ANY emergency services vehcle, cos lets face it. u never know when ur gunna need em and if its u in need of em ud want everyone to get out there bloody way lol (Unless they are chasing u of course lol)